Winter in March!
By blogmaster | March 13, 2009
It seems that Punxsutawney Phil’s retreat to his burrow has signalled a few more weeks for winter enthusiasts to enjoy their favourite season. This last blast of wintery weather is making up for the unusually warm January we experienced in the British Columbia Central Interior.This past weekend Sun Peaks Resort was blessed with fresh champagne powder and bright blue skies – a skier’s dream! At the Top of the World, it was a mad rush to get off the Burfield Chair before someone poached your powder line. We skied to the Burfield Mid-Station most of the day ripping down the Chief, Juniper Ridge, and Toilet Bowl with anxious anticipation for the next run. When we thought it just couldn’t get better a short hike up a boot pack to the Mid-Mountain Meadows lead us to an untracked powder heaven with a magnificent view of the village. What a climax, to an already phenomenal day of skiing at Sun Peaks!
With spring just around the corner, it is time to saviour our last chance to make those exhilarating powder turns before the sun creates corn snow, and a goggle tan on our smiling faces.
Get up to Sun Peaks to celebrate winter’s final days. Before you know it, April will be on us, and you will counting down the days until next season. See you up on the slopes.
Brock Roadhouse, Sun Peaks season pass holder since 1986.
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What a Start to 2009
By blogmaster | January 30, 2009
It has been an interesting start to the 2009 year at Sun Peaks to say the least! It began with an entertaining New Years’ celebration at the resort with a group of friends at a Chalet on Burfield Drive, which is the best way to bring in the New Year! Where did you spend New Years’? My highlight was partaking in the New Years’ extravaganza presented by Sun Peaks Resort which included The First Flight Big Air Event in the Terrain Park, followed by the annual torchlight parade, which was capped off with a vibrant fire works display against the backdrop of the snow covered trees and mountains amongst a large crowd of on lookers. I was amazed at the number of families that travelled from all over the world from the United Kingdom to Australia and New Zealand to all over Europe and even Jamaica to bring in 2009 at Sun Peaks Resort.
In early January, Sun Peaks Resort once again hosted its annual Ice Wine Festival, a popular event featuring ice wines, as well as a wide variety of wines from the Okanagan region. What a fantastic event for any wine lover to spend an evening at the resort tasting some of the Okanagan’s best wines. The village was a flurry of activity with over 500 visitors strolling from their last tasting location to the next discussing the wines that suited their palette in anticipation of finding another favourite. Another successful year for the Ice Wine Festival at Sun Peaks Resort!
In mid January, we were treated with unseasonably warm conditions at Sun Peaks Resort, as an inversion resulted in spring-like conditions, and plenty of sunshine to the liking of many guests. Everyone seemed to be all smiles with the warm sun sparkling on the snow, and the resort peaks standing above the sea of clouds in the valley below. It was a little too early for spring in January, but the sun and corn snow was a welcome occurrence following some cool, crisp temperatures earlier in the season.
Rick Mercer, the popular Canadian TV host of the Rick Mercer Report could not resist the draw of Sun Peaks Resort to meet one of Canada’s newest Senators, Nancy Greene, Olympic Gold Medallist and Director of Skiing at Sun Peaks. Nancy Greene provided Rick Mercer a personally guided tour of the resort as she always does for any visitor and took some extra time to talk about her new posting in Ottawa. The humorous seven minute feature of Sun Peaks Resort and the resort’s greatest ambassador, Nancy Greene aired January 27, 2009, on CBC National Television.
The start of 2009 at Sun Peaks Resort has treated its visitors with a number of memorable events, and if this is any indication of what the rest of the season will bring I’m sure we will have a number great things to look forward to.
Brock Roadhouse, Sun Peaks season pass holder since 1986.
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Happy Holidays Sun Peaks Visitors!
By blogmaster | December 24, 2008
Season’s greetings to everyone! After braving the cold temperatures this past week, it looks like we will be getting an early Christmas gift with warmer temperatures and more snow on the way for the Holidays!I look forward to escaping the hustle and bustle of my busy life to relax and share this joyous season with family and friends at Sun Peaks Resort. With 93 percent (114 runs) of the resort’s terrain open to enjoy, there is something for everyone from beginner to expert. I have been skiing a handful of times this season, but I can’t wait to rediscover my favourite runs now that we have access to nearly the entire mountain!
It has become a family tradition to spend Christmas Day skiing at Sun Peaks. Most spend Christmas morning opening gifts under the tree and filling their bellies with a gourmet brunch, while our family beat the crowds and get first tracks! Not that even on the busiest days do we have to wait in a line-up longer than 10 minutes – it is the spoiled life we live at Sun Peaks. There is nothing like spending the holidays in a winter wonderland in the cool, crisp air of the mountains.
This is how my Christmas starts. As long as my ski legs will let me, I plan to ride as many days over the holidays leading up to New Years. I always enjoy starting the celebrations with Sun Peaks’ New Years’ torch light parade and fireworks at the base area before bringing in another New Year with friends and family.
I hope you enjoy this festive season at Sun Peaks Resort and we’ll see you on the slopes.
Brock Roadhouse, Sun Peaks season pass holder since 1986.
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I can’t wait one minute more!
By blogmaster | December 2, 2008
As I sat at work on Friday watching the snow fall outside my window, I could not contain the excitement of hitting the slopes again this season. The recent film premieres for Warren Miller’s “Children of Winter” and Matchstick Productions’ “Claim: the Greatest Ski Movie Ever” only added to my anticipation for winter.In preparation for the season, I have waxed my skis and prayed to the snow god Ullr for a white December. Historically, Sun Peaks experiences some major dumps in December, and I find that some of the best skiing of the season happens during this time.
While the region has experienced limited snow to date, Sun Peaks Resort has the snow making capacity to allow for the resort to open this past November 23, ahead of many resorts in the area. Despite the early season conditions, I could not resist the burning desire to strap on my boards this past weekend. We carved down the Cahilty, 5 Mile, and OSV like it was going out of style. It felt great to get on my skis again, and begin to get back into ski shape. Being outside on the mountain felt amazing after so long, but I can’t wait for more snow and additional terrain to open up!
With colder temperatures on the way this week, the resort will be able to make more snow and hopefully open up additional terrain, as my anticipation builds for winter to fully arrive. Think snow, and we’ll see you on the slopes!
Brock Roadhouse, Sun Peaks season pass holder since 1986.
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Your Golf Ball Travels Farther in the Mountains
By blogmaster | September 5, 2008
There is wide array of fantastic golf courses in the Kamloops region and Sun Peaks Resort Golf Course is one of the most underrated golf courses around. With the recent addition of the back nine in 2005, Sun Peaks has created a pleasurable golf escape for everyone in the peace and tranquility of the mountains.I recently had the opportunity to experience the Sun Peaks Resort Golf Course before the cooler autumn weather prevails, and I was amazed at the immaculate condition the course was in. Not only is the course in great shape, but the mountain ambience enhances your experience as the mountain breeze, and the sound of birds singing allows you to easily forget your miscalculated last shot. The mountain backdrop is green, lush, and scattered with vibrant alpine flowers – a very picturesque setting for a golf outing. You may even be lucky enough to experience wildlife – maybe a deer grazing on grass in the rough or perhaps spot a black bear feeding on berries in the distant foliage. Sun Peaks offers a relaxing golf experience for your senses.
The wide variety of hole layouts at Sun Peaks Resort Golf Course allows the golfer to swing every club in his bag. A word to the wise though, the course can be unforgiving for those that play too aggressive, but the conservative golfer that plays safe will end up keeping a few extra balls in their bag. With the thinner mountain air, the ball also carries farther and the course does not play as long as one might initially expect. For first timers, I would highly recommend reading the tips sheet found in the score card – it will help immensely.
Sun Peaks Resort Golf Course forced me to get back to the basics of golf and managing risk. I found the new challenge of making the appropriate club selection and laying up to the 150 yard marker rather than “grippin’ it and rippin’ it” considerably exciting, and unique compared to many courses I have played in the area. However, it’s hard to resist going for it at the 16th hole, a reachable 300 yard par 4 with a beautiful view of Mt. Morrisey, which Sun Peaks boasts as BC’s highest elevated tee at 1,333 metres elevation.
Sun Peaks Resort Golf Course offers a scenic nature walk between holes, but as such I would recommend renting a golf cart, as there is a fair distance between holes. With a golf cart, you can also conveniently carry a beverage or snack from the on-course beverage cart that is usually parked between the 7th and 3rd hole. On the back nine, the Umbrella Café is located along the way to the 11th hole, and one can stop for a Panini sandwich, or grab something to tide you over until the 19th Hole.
We enjoyed sharing our days’ golf adventure at Sun Peaks on the patio at Masas’ Bar & Grill against the backdrop of mountain bikers roaring down the mountain. It was a warm late summer day, but the coolness in the air was apparent as the season is beginning to change.
I look forward to sharing my experiences at Sun Peaks resort in the shoulder season as I dream of the white stuff in anticipation of a powder-filled winter. Until next time…
Brock Roadhouse, Sun Peaks season pass holder since 1986.
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The Final Days of Summer
By blogmaster | August 21, 2008
Summer continues to fly by, and with the recent scorching temperatures in Kamloops, I chose to escape the heat and spend Friday night up at the resort with a group of friends. On Saturday morning, we headed to the cool shores of McGillivray Lake where you can take a guided Voyageur Canoe tour, or head out on your own adventure and rent a canoe. We chose to explore the shore line taking in the quiet setting and pristine wilderness of McGillivray Lake Provincial Park, one of many parks that we are blessed with here in British Columbia. The lake is a great day adventure from Sun Peaks given that it is only a fifteen minute drive from the resort village.Following our exhilarating McGillivray Lake experience, my friends and I headed to Macker’s Bar & Grill, located between the Delta Resort and Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge. Macker’s is a great place to grab a bite to eat, where you will enjoy a great meal for a great price and experience quality customer service. Our group enjoyed a delicious lunch on the patio in the sunshine before taking a stroll through the village. Make sure you check out the many years of photos that line the walls while you dine at Macker’s.
In the village, Sun Peaks Resort hosted the Porsche Club’s Annual Western Region Car show bringing together Porsche enthusiasts, and owners from all over British Columbia, and as far away as Washington State and Oregon. The busy event showcased a variety of Porsche models from the sporty Boxster to the high powered GT3. This second annual event added life to the village promenade, and complimented the alpine village architecture in a very unique way. This was definitely not your typical car show.
While walking around, I noticed a few golfers checking out the flurry of activity in the village following a round of golf. It made me realize that it has been awhile since I’ve hit the links. I think next weekend I’ll play a round of golf on the Sun Peaks golf course.
With summer coming to a close, I realized that I have to take advantage of the last days of summer. I look forward to sharing my experiences on the links next weekend with you.
Until then enjoy your days in the sun…
Brock Roadhouse, Sun Peaks season pass holder since 1986.
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Summer Is Here!
By blogmaster | July 28, 2008
Greetings! A brief introduction is necessary, as I will be your new Sun Peaks blog writer for the coming year. I am a local Kamloops resident and Sun Peaks enthusiast that looks forward to sharing my experiences with you at Sun Peaks Resort during the 2008/2009 summer and winter seasons. I choose to live in the Kamloops area as a lifestyle choice and enjoy the affordability and accessibility of recreational activities that the region provides.
I have been a long-time season’s pass holder at Sun Peaks even back to the days of Tod Mountain and I’ve been amazed over the years how the resort has grown from infancy into the popular destination resort it is today. With the growth of the resort and its popularity, the number of events and activities that you can experience has grown dramatically. Over the months ahead, I look forward to connecting you with some of the things I enjoy about spending time at Sun Peaks resort.
It’s been a late start to the summer, but it has arrived in full force. In fact, just last weekend I attended a Wine and Culture festival the resort hosted. It was a great opportunity to combine my interest in BC Wines as well as celebrate a friend’s birthday. For Friday and Saturday night, our group rented a chalet on Sunburst Drive just minutes walk from the amenities of the resort village. It was a great opportunity to come together with friends and escape the 35 degree Celsius summer heat of the valley while taking advantage of the summer activities available at the resort.
Friday evening, we stayed in and enjoyed the amenities of the chalet. Renting a chalet is a very affordable means to have a group come up and stay at the resort as you can plan your own meals while still enjoying the convenience of staying up at the hill. The chalet we rented had a private hot tub, a view of the village, full kitchen including BBQ and comfortably slept 14. After a long day hiking in the alpine in the summer or after a powder-filled adventure on the slopes during the winter – It is a must have when considering renting a place at Sun Peaks.
Late Saturday morning, we cooked up a traditional home cooked brunch before starting our adventures for the day. One great thing about Sun Peaks is that it has something for everyone. Some of our group grabbed their cameras and went hiking in the alpine, others got geared up for an exhilarating day of mountain biking, while I took the opportunity to hone my golf skills at the driving range before participating in a BC Varietal Wine Seminar for the afternoon.
The Wine Seminar facilitator, Gerrit, from the BC Wine Shop (http://www.bcwineshop.com/) provided an exceptional educational overview of the developing wine industry in BC and presented a variety of BC wines for tasting. The two hour event seemed to pass by quickly as the knowledge and entertaining nature of Gerrit kept the crowd inspired and stimulated. We had the opportunity to try nine different BC wines from Riesling to Cabernet Franc and share our taste preferences and experience with the participants. I learned to enjoy the differences in wine without being pretentious and exercising elitism by realizing that “Wine is Food, Food is Wine”. You can enjoy wine without trying to impress people with your knowledge of the industry. It can be very rewarding and enjoyable to share your unique experiences and tastes with others. I also learned about the BC wine industry and the different regions from the Okanagan Valley to the Similkameen Valley and Coastal Areas. It was a fabulous afternoon spent expanding my understanding of the BC wine industry and growing as a wine lover.
Following the Wine Seminar, I met up with the rest of my friends on the patio at Bottom’s Bar & Grill for a cold one before heading back to the chalet to wind down from the days events and get ready for the evening. Everyone had a great day at Sun Peaks.
I hear that the alpine flowers are in full bloom as the meadows were filled with vibrant colours. You should definitely hike Sun Peaks’ alpine as soon as possible as the peak period for the alpine blossoms is between mid-July and mid-August. It was great to share the day’s adventures out in the sunshine in such beautiful mountain scenery.
We headed back to our chalet to get ready for our dinner reservations at Powderhoud’s Restaurant followed by the “Flavours of Music and Wine”, a wine tasting event with Club Jazz entertainment hosted at Mack Daddy’s Nightclub. Powderhounds is a stylish restaurant in the Fireside Building in upper part of the village that has a unique, atmosphere. If you ever go to Powderhounds, I’d highly recommend the Hunter Schnitzel that comes with Spatzle and a delicious mushroom sauce. It was a “huge” hit with our group. Following a satisfying meal, we checked out the Flavours of Music and Wine at Mack Daddy’s. There was a DJ and musicians playing Club Jazz as patrons enjoyed a variety of BC wine products from apple cider to merlots and chardonnays. What an amazing combination – music, wine and friends at Sun Peaks!
All in all, another great weekend at Sun Peaks Resort! I can’t wait for the next time I can share another fabulous experience on this blog. Remember that if the summer temperatures continue to rise, escape the heat and come up to Sun Peaks where the temps are close to 10 degree Celsius cooler.
Until next time enjoy your summer while it lasts as the fall is just around the corner.
Brock Roadhouse, Sun Peaks season pass holder since 1986.
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Sun Peaks Shares…AGAIN!
By blogmaster | April 1, 2008
Last weekend was the second winter and fourth overall Sun Peaks Shares weekend event (we also hold one each September) and what an amazing weekend…I’m still recovering…just kidding!All kidding aside, it was really tremendous weekend for everyone involved and the weather could not have been better - bright sunshine, comfortable winter-like temps and even some fresh snow at the end of the weekend! (Note: reading between the lines - there are still some fabulous snow conditions here as we enter the first week of April and the second last week of the season). Again this year, Sun Peaks Resort and it’s generous event sponsors (more on them below) hosted close to 120 economically and/or socially disadvantaged youth and their families, guardians or chaperones for a weekend of winter fun at Sun Peaks. The participants came through our partner agencies Big Brothers & Sisters Kamloops, the Boys & Girls Club Kamloops and Kids Up Front Vancouver.
Two buses unloaded late Friday afternoon - one from Kamloops and another from Vancouver (courtesy of Canada West Coachlines and Pacific Coach Lines) - depositing some travel weary but excited kids and adults. They quickly checked in at one of our generous accommodation partners (the Coast Sundance Lodge, Delta Sun Peaks Resort, the Hearthstone & Fireside Lodges, the Heffley Boutique Inn, Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge and the Sun Peaks Lodge) and then after a quick trip to the rental shop where they picked up their gear for the weekend (compliments of the Sun Peaks Resort Corporation - SPRC) the group was treated to a fabulous pasta buffer dinner at the Delta Sun Peaks Resort. Nancy Greene was on hand Friday night to welcome the group and throughout the weekend to pass along tips, encouragement and give one-on-one private lessons! Nancy even escorted a group of special needs kids who had never skied before down the 5-Mile from the top by the end of the weekend!
On Saturday after breakfast at Masa’s (sponsored by SPRC) just about everyone took part in skiing or snowboarding lessons during the day (and those who didn’t had a chance to try Snowshoeing thanks to Sun Peaks Snowshoe Adventures), again generously provided by the SPRC. After a quick lunch provided by Macker’s on the Mountain and SPRC, the group had another afternoon session and then a Pizza Party dinner at Bentos hosted by SPRC and then an exciting prize draw for clothing and equipment donated by NRI Distribution Inc. based in Kamloops and Spyder. It was a real highlight to an incredible day - there was so much gear that nobody went home empty handed.
Sunday kicked with another breakfast at Masa’s and then a special visit by the Sun Peaks Fire & Rescue department, then a group photo with Adam Earle from SPIN and then they had the day free to go skiing or boarding with volunteer hosts or check out the Tube Park, Bungy Trampoline or the Sportscentre (thanks to the SPRC!). The weather was so nice that everyone enjoyed the BBQ on the deck at Bottoms Bar & Grill. Sadly, the weekend came to an end at around 4pm on Sunday when the buses departed for Kamloops and Vancouver and everyone said their final goodbyes.
From the many comments I and the other volunteers heard through the weekend, all those attending were extremely grateful to all of the event sponsors and volunteers who made the weekend possible. I’ve managed to name a few of them above and we’ll be thanking each of them more formally in the coming weeks, but until then I have to pass along a HUGE THANKS to all those who’ve supported this years and previous events, and especially the Sun Peaks Resort Corporation who have continually gone above and beyond. We could not have done it without all of you!
Cheers,
Steve O - local mountain enthusiast and Chair of the Sun Peaks Shares Organizing Committee and Share the Mountain Foundation (for more info on both, click here)
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Spring Break Bulletin
By blogmaster | March 19, 2008
Well it’s the day before Spring officially arrives and while there are some signs that spring is on the way - the sun higher in the sky, longer days, and the sounds of birds in the woods along the trails - the conditions are more like winter.Friends of mine from Ontario left yesterday after what they described as some of the best days of skiing they’ve ever had. It seemed as though everything had aligned perfectly for their visit - a deep snow base, a bit of fresh snow just about every night, sunny days and nice comfortable temps. Not bad for the middle of March and it looks as though more of the same is on the way for the next week or so. So there is still lots of great snow to be had and with less than a month till the end of the season (April 13th), there should be more than enough to take us through to the end and beyond.
After Easter there are also lots of great deals to be had as things start to get a little quieter. Not that they still aren’t lots of events going on - Easter Weekend festivities, the Canadian Alpine Master’s Championships and the closing weekend Spring Festival, as well as the regular weekly events - but you’ll still have the mountain, or rather mountains to yourself! So don’t put away the boards yet and get in on some of the best skiing and riding of the season!
This post was written by Steve O - all around mountain and spring enthusiast.
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Nordic Moments
By blogmaster | March 3, 2008
Well it was nice to wake up to some fresh snow this morning after a week or so of fairly dry (except for a little tease earlier in the week) and almost spring like weather. Not that the bright sunny skies weren’t a welcome sight - it just the little hints of spring that came with it were just a little too early for my liking:-). But we’re back to winter this morning and according to the Farmer’s Almanac, we’re in for a fairly ‘wet’ (as in snowy at higher elevations) March. Bring on the snow I say, spring can wait!It was a pretty busy weekend around the resort event wise with both the Pontiac GMC Cup and the TELUS Nancy Greene Corporate Challenge going on. It’s racing season here at the Peaks as next weekend marks the return of the Velocity Challenge - the only FIS World Cup Speed Skiing event in North America - and the following week brings the Canadian Para Alpine Championships to the resort. I only got a chance to take in some of the “apres” ski racing events (in some ways just as intense) as I was pulled away by a group of friends from Vancouver over to the Nordic side of things here.
Not that I haven’t indulged before - and I actually do on a fairly regular basis - but it’s easy to overlook when your surrounded on all sides by three mountains full of thrills. For those who haven’t, Sun Peaks boasts quite the network of X-C trails, groomed for both classic and skating, as well as a separate slew of snowshoe trails. Officially, there’s 28km of groomed and track-set trails as well another 12km of backcountry trails including Holy Cow, a 7km trail that winds it’s way from the top of the Morrisey Express (riding the lift is included in the trail ticket) that joins the rest of the network for a close to 13km trip back to the Village.
Of course, most people ski Holy Cow from the top down; that is, most people except for one of my friends from Vancouver who always prefers the more challenging way to do things. So not only did we ski Holy Cow from bottom to top, we skate skied it from bottom to top. For hard core skate skiers (like Paul) it wasn’t too big of a deal, but let’s just say for casual skate skiers like myself - it was definintely a work out (and the hot tub felt really good at the end of the day). I think next time I’ll do it the classic way to the top and save the skate skis for tamer stuff like the McGillvray Lake trail, Raven Ramble, Nut Hatch and Blue Grouse:-). Anyway, if you haven’t checked them out yet I’d highly recommend it. Pack a lunch and stop at the warming cabin at McGillivray Lake. Afterwards be sure to do a loop out on the lake (conditions permitting!) and catch the great view of Tod Mountain. For more information on Nordic Skiing at Sun Peaks click here. Happy trails - Alpine and/or Nordic!
This post was written by Steve O - all around mountain enthusiast.
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